Top 34 Slang For Dad – Meaning & Usage

Dads, the unsung heroes of our lives, deserve a language of their own. From cheesy jokes to dad bods, they bring a unique flavor to our daily interactions. In this listicle, we’ve compiled the top slang terms for dad that will have you laughing, reminiscing, and appreciating the father figures in your life. Get ready to dive into the world of dad lingo and discover the hilarious and heartwarming ways we honor our beloved dads.

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1. Pops

This term is a casual and affectionate way to refer to one’s father. It is often used by children or younger individuals.

For example, a child might say, “Hey pops, can we play catch?”
A teenager might ask, “Pops, can I borrow the car tonight?”
A person might introduce their father by saying, “This is my pops, John.”

2. Pot And Pan

This slang term is used to refer to one’s father, often in a lighthearted or humorous manner. It is derived from the rhyming slang “pot and pan” for “old man.”

For instance, someone might say, “I’m going to visit the pot and pan this weekend.”
A person might tease their father by saying, “What’s cooking, pot and pan?”
A comedian might joke, “My pot and pan always has a dad joke ready.”

3. Stage Dad

This term refers to a father who is heavily involved in their child’s activities or pursuits, particularly in the entertainment industry. A stage dad is often seen as pushy or overly ambitious for their child’s success.

For example, someone might say, “She’s a talented actress, but her stage dad is always pushing her to audition for bigger roles.”
A person might discuss the dynamics of stage dads by saying, “Stage dads can sometimes put too much pressure on their children.”
A news article might describe a stage dad as, “The epitome of an overbearing parent, the stage dad is a common figure in the entertainment industry.”

4. Stepdude

This slang term is a casual and friendly way to refer to one’s stepfather. It is often used by individuals who have a positive or close relationship with their stepfather.

For instance, someone might say, “My stepdude is the best. He’s always there for me.”
A person might introduce their stepfather by saying, “This is my stepdude, Mark.”
A stepchild might express their appreciation by saying, “I’m lucky to have such a cool stepdude.”

5. Sunday Dad

This term refers to a father who is only present or involved in their child’s life on certain days, typically on weekends or specific occasions. It implies that the father is not consistently present.

For example, someone might say, “My dad is a Sunday dad. I only see him every other weekend.”
A person might discuss the challenges of having a Sunday dad by saying, “It can be tough when your dad is only around on Sundays.”
A child might express their excitement about spending time with their Sunday dad by saying, “I can’t wait to see my Sunday dad this weekend!”

6. Padre

This term is derived from the Spanish word for father. It is often used affectionately or in a playful manner to refer to one’s dad.

7. Poppy

This term is a colloquial way of referring to one’s grandfather. It is often used by young children or as a term of endearment.

For instance, a child might say, “I love spending time with my Poppy.”
In a conversation about family history, someone might ask, “Did your Poppy serve in the military?”
A person might use this term to express admiration, saying, “My Poppy is the wisest person I know.”

8. Pop

This term is a casual and affectionate way of referring to one’s dad. It is often used by children or in a familiar context.

For example, a child might say, “Hey Pop, can we go to the park?”
In a conversation about family dynamics, someone might say, “My Pop is the rock of our family.”
A person might use this term to express appreciation, saying, “I’m grateful for all the lessons my Pop has taught me.”

9. Daddio

This term originated in the 1950s and is a playful way of referring to one’s dad. It has a cool and retro vibe to it.

For instance, a child might say, “Thanks for the ice cream, Daddio!”
In a conversation about parenting styles, someone might ask, “Is your Daddio strict or laid-back?”
A person might use this term to show affection, saying, “I love my Daddio, he’s the best.”

10. Big daddy

This term is used to convey a sense of authority or dominance. It can be used to refer to one’s dad in a playful or affectionate way.

For example, a child might say, “Look at what Big Daddy cooked for dinner!”
In a conversation about family traditions, someone might say, “Big Daddy always takes us on camping trips.”
A person might use this term to show respect, saying, “I’m proud to be the son of Big Daddy.”

11. Governor

“Governor” is a slang term used to refer to one’s father. It is often used in a respectful or formal manner.

For example, a child might say, “I’m going to ask the governor if I can go to my friend’s house.”
In a conversation about family, someone might ask, “How is your relationship with the governor?”
A person might introduce their father by saying, “This is my governor, John.”

12. Daddykins

“Daddykins” is a term of endearment used to refer to one’s father. It is often used in a playful or affectionate manner.

For instance, a child might say, “Goodnight, Daddykins!”
In a conversation about family, someone might ask, “Do you have any nicknames for your dad? I used to call mine Daddykins.”
A person might say, “I love my Daddykins. He’s always been there for me.”

13. Pater

“Pater” is a slang term used to refer to one’s father. It is an informal term that is sometimes used to add a touch of humor or playfulness.

For example, a child might say, “Hey Pater, can we go to the park?”
In a conversation about family, someone might ask, “What does your Pater do for a living?”
A person might say, “I have the best Pater in the world. He’s always been my biggest supporter.”

14. Pa

“Pa” is a slang term used to refer to one’s father. It is a simple and informal term that is often used in a casual or familiar context.

For instance, a child might say, “Hey Pa, can we play catch?”
In a conversation about family, someone might ask, “Do you have a good relationship with your Pa?”
A person might introduce their father by saying, “This is my Pa, Tom.”

15. Da

“Da” is a slang term used to refer to one’s father. It is a short and informal term that is often used in a familiar or affectionate context.

16. Daddums

Daddums is a cutesy and affectionate term used to refer to one’s dad. It is often used by children or in a playful manner to show love and endearment towards their father.

For example, a child might say, “Goodnight, Daddums. I love you!”
In a joking conversation, someone might say, “Oh, you know Daddums always spoils me.”
A person might use the term to describe their relationship with their dad, saying, “I’m a total Daddums’ girl.”

17. Poppa

Poppa is an informal and familiar term used to refer to one’s dad. It is a casual way of addressing or mentioning one’s father.

For instance, a person might say, “I’m going to visit Poppa this weekend.”
In a conversation about family, someone might ask, “How’s Poppa doing?”
A person might use the term to express familiarity, saying, “Poppa always knows how to fix things.”

18. Dadsy

Dadsy is a casual and playful term used to refer to one’s dad. It is often used in a light-hearted and affectionate manner, portraying a close and friendly relationship with one’s father.

For example, a person might say, “Hey, Dadsy, can you help me with this?”
In a humorous conversation, someone might say, “Dadsy always tells the best dad jokes.”
A person might use the term to describe their dad’s personality, saying, “My dad is such a Dadsy, always up for an adventure.”

19. Old timer

Old timer is a term used to refer to an older dad. It is often used affectionately and with respect, acknowledging the wisdom and experience that comes with age.

For instance, a person might say, “My old timer still knows how to have fun.”
In a conversation about family dynamics, someone might say, “My old timer always gives the best advice.”
A person might use the term to describe their dad’s age, saying, “I’m proud to be the daughter of an old timer.”

20. Pop pop

Pop pop is an endearing term used to refer to either one’s dad or grandfather. It is a playful and affectionate term often used by children or in a family setting to show love and closeness.

For example, a child might say, “I love spending time with Pop pop.”
In a conversation about family traditions, someone might say, “Pop pop always tells the best stories.”
A person might use the term to describe their relationship with their dad or grandfather, saying, “Pop pop is my hero.”

21. Daddy-o-rama

This slang term is a fun and affectionate way to refer to one’s dad. It is often used in a lighthearted and nostalgic manner.

For example, a person might say, “Hey Daddy-o-rama, can you help me fix my bike?”
In a conversation about childhood memories, someone might mention, “I remember when Daddy-o-rama used to take us to the park every weekend.”
A person might post a throwback photo on social media with the caption, “Me and Daddy-o-rama back in the day. #tbt”

22. Poppet

This slang term is a cute and affectionate way to refer to one’s dad. It is often used in a loving and playful manner.

For instance, a child might say, “Goodnight, Poppet. I love you!”
In a conversation about family, someone might ask, “How’s Poppet doing? I haven’t seen him in a while.”
A person might write a heartfelt message on Father’s Day, saying, “To the best dad in the world, Happy Father’s Day, Poppet!”

23. Dadio

This slang term is a trendy and stylish way to refer to one’s dad. It is often used by younger individuals or in a casual and laid-back context.

For example, a teenager might say, “Hey Dadio, can I borrow the car tonight?”
In a conversation about music, someone might mention, “My Dadio has the best vinyl record collection.”
A person might post a selfie with their dad on social media with the caption, “Out and about with my cool Dadio.”

24. Padre de familia

This slang term, derived from Spanish, refers to the father figure in a family. It is often used in a multicultural or bilingual context.

For instance, a person might introduce their dad to a friend, saying, “This is my Padre de familia, Juan.”
In a conversation about family traditions, someone might mention, “My Padre de familia always cooks a special meal on holidays.”
A person might write a heartfelt message on their dad’s birthday, saying, “Feliz cumpleaños to the best Padre de familia in the world!”

25. Poppadom

This slang term is a whimsical and humorous way to refer to one’s dad. It is often used in a joking or teasing manner.

For example, a person might say, “Watch out, Poppadom is on the loose!”
In a conversation about family dynamics, someone might mention, “Poppadom always knows how to make us laugh.”
A person might post a funny photo of their dad on social media with the caption, “My Poppadom being his silly self.”

26. Paterfamilias

Paterfamilias is a Latin term that refers to the male head of a household or family. It is often used to describe a father who is the authority figure and decision-maker within the family.

For example, in a traditional family structure, the paterfamilias would be responsible for providing for the family and making important decisions.
In a conversation about family dynamics, someone might say, “My dad is the paterfamilias of our household.”
When discussing the role of a father, one might mention, “The paterfamilias is seen as the leader and protector of the family.”

27. Daddypants

Daddypants is a playful and affectionate term used to refer to one’s father. It is often used by children or younger individuals to express love, admiration, or familiarity with their dad.

For instance, a child might say, “I love you, daddypants!”
In a conversation about family relationships, someone might say, “My daddypants always knows how to make me feel better.”
When sharing a funny or heartwarming story about their father, someone might say, “So, daddypants decided to surprise us with a homemade dinner.”

28. Popsicle

Popsicle is a casual and informal term used to refer to one’s father. It is often used in a lighthearted or affectionate manner, and can be seen as a cute or endearing nickname for dad.

For example, a child might say, “Hey popsicle, can we go to the park?”
In a conversation about family nicknames, someone might say, “My dad doesn’t like being called ‘dad,’ so we all call him popsicle.”
When introducing their father to a friend, someone might say, “This is my popsicle, he’s the best!”

29. Poppyco*ck

Poppyco*ck is a slang term that means nonsense or foolish talk. While not directly related to the word “dad,” it can be used as a playful way to tease or joke with one’s father.

For instance, if a father tells an exaggerated story, someone might playfully respond, “Oh, come on, that’s just poppyco*ck!”
In a conversation about funny family moments, someone might say, “My dad always comes up with the most ridiculous poppyco*ck.”
When teasing their father about a silly mistake, someone might say, “You’re full of poppyco*ck, dad!”

30. Pappy

Pappy is an affectionate term used to refer to one’s father. It is often used as a cute or endearing nickname, conveying a sense of warmth, familiarity, and love.

For example, a child might say, “Goodnight, pappy!”
In a conversation about family relationships, someone might say, “I have a special bond with my pappy.”
When expressing gratitude or appreciation to their father, someone might say, “Thanks for always being there for me, pappy!”

31. Pater familias

This term refers to the male head of a household or family. It is often used to convey authority and the traditional role of a father figure.

For example, “He is the pater familias and makes all the important decisions.”
In a discussion about family dynamics, someone might say, “The pater familias is responsible for providing and protecting his family.”
A person might introduce their father by saying, “This is my pater familias, the one who holds our family together.”

32. Dadsicle

This slang term is used to describe a dad who is cool, hip, or laid-back. It implies that the dad is in touch with current trends and has a youthful or fun-loving personality.

For instance, “He’s not like other dads, he’s a dadsicle.”
A teenager might say, “My friends think my dad is a dadsicle because he knows all the latest music.”
Someone might compliment a dad by saying, “You’re such a dadsicle, always up for an adventure with your kids.”

33. Father dearest

This phrase is a playful and affectionate way to refer to one’s father. It conveys a sense of love and endearment towards the dad.

For example, “Father dearest, can you help me with my homework?”
A person might send a Father’s Day card that says, “To my father dearest, thank you for always being there.”
In a conversation about family relationships, someone might say, “I have a great bond with my father dearest.”

34. Daddypop

This slang term is used to refer to a dad or father figure. It is often used in a casual or affectionate manner.

For instance, “Hey daddypop, can you give me a ride?”
A person might introduce their stepfather by saying, “This is my daddypop, he’s been there for me since I was little.”
In a conversation about parenting, someone might say, “Being a daddypop is a rewarding and challenging role.”

Top 34 Slang For Dad – Meaning & Usage - FluentSlang (2024)